G/TFA /W/29  
 
16 October 2020  
(20-7171) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
REPORT BY THE ANNEX D+ PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS TO THE  
TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE  
20-22 October 2020 
Contents  
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
FIATA INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDERS ASSOCIATIONS  ..........  3 
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ................................ . 4 
INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT UNION  ................................ ................................ .... 5 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  ................................ ................................ .....................  7 
STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY  ................................ ........................  10 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  ................................ .... 11 
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE  ................................ .............  13 
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC  . 18 
WORLD BANK GROUP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 20 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION ................................ ................................ .................  22 
 
 
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  FOREWORD  
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) was created to help WTO developing and least 
developed country Members find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). One of the ways that we fulfil this role is by providing information on the TFA 
implementation support programs offered by our partner organizations, the so -called "Annex D+" 
organizations.  
 
This document , coordinated by the T rade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF),  provides updates 
on the TFA implementation support activities that are being carried out by our partner organizations. 
It supplements and updates a previous document  titled "ANNEX  D+ TFA IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT 
DURING COVID -19". 
https://tfafacility.org/sites/default/files/annexd_covid19_report_updated.pdf  
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FIATA  INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDERS ASSOCIATIONS  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a nongovernmental, 
membership -based org anization representing freight forwarders in some 150 countries.  FIATA 's 
membership is composed of 108 Associations Members and more than 5,800 Individual Members, 
overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide.  FIATA is 
a reference source on international policies and regulations governing the freight forwarding and 
logistics industry. FIATA works at the international level to represent service providers who operate 
in trade logistics and supply chain management . 
1.2.  As the world sets to emerge after COVID -19, trade facilitation measures are key to rebuilding 
a stronger international trade community and reviving economies. Freight forwarders must continue 
to operate and adapt their organizations to ensure essential g oods and resources can move to where 
they are needed at any given time. The unity and close collaboration of all trade and transport 
stakeholders under FIATA 's leadership is key to building a stronger and more resilient global supply 
chain. FIATA has, sinc e the inception of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation (TFA), fully endorsed the need for FIATA 's National Association members to participate 
actively in TFA outcomes. FIATA is committed to encouraging the active participatio n of its National 
Association Members in NCTF arrangements. This includes equipping and empowering FIATA 
members with appropriate information and resources to be used in their national contexts, and 
working with FIATA’s various institutes, bodies, and regi onal committees.  
2  BRIEF  DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  In order to achieve the objectives of the TFA and NCTFs, there is a need for a significant mind 
shift by the three key parties: governments, regula tors, and industry.  FIATA has been working 
closely with its institutes, bodies and regional committees to address specific trade facilitation topics 
and develop cross -disciplinary coordination to find optimal solutions. In particular, FIATA’s Customs 
Affairs Institute (CAI) has been instrumental to reviewing and developing proposals in relation to 
the WCO’s Revised Kyoto Convention and other associated border related topics. Through its 
dedicated regional committees which represent FIATA members from all ov er the world, FIATA is 
able to conduct a deep dive into specific regional issues and to ensure support is provided, either 
through the regional committees or on a wider scale. Finally, FIATA continues to produce various 
position papers and guidance for its  members and the industry at large, all of which are available on 
the FIATA website.  
3  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
3.1.  https://fiata.com  
  
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation brings together governments and businesses as equal 
partners to address delays and unnecessary red tape  at borders and design a nd deploy targeted 
reforms that deliver commercially quantifiable results. Our work helps governments in developing 
and least developed countries implement the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. The Alliance is led by the Center for I nternational Private Enterprise, the International 
Chamber of Commerce and the World Economic Forum, in cooperation with Gesellschaft für 
Internationale Zusammenarbeit and is funded by the governments of the United States, Canada, 
Germany, Denmark, the Uni ted Kingdom and Australia.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  11 projects are being implemented at the moment:  
• Brazil: Modernisation of the licencing  procedures for the National Institute of Metrology, 
Quality and Technology (INMETRO)  
• Colombia: Establishing a Centre for trade facilitation and good practices  
• Regional AEO: Supporting a regional recognition agreement for Authorised Economic 
Operators in Latin America & the Caribbean  
• Morocco: Optimizing import and export processes in the agri -food sector & ePhyto  
• Ghana: Introducing a risk -based pre -arrival process • Kenya: Introducing a risk -based pre 
arrival process  
• Nigeria: Simplification, Standardiza tion and harmonization of formalities and procedures  
• Zambia: Supporting the design and implementation fit -for-purpose customs broker licensing 
framework  
• Malawi: Supporting the design and implementation fit -for-purpose customs broker licensing 
framework  
• Sri Lanka: Developing the trade facilitation framework for Multi -Country Consolidation (on 
hold)  
• Vietnam: Introducing a modern customs bond system for conditional release of goods  
 
2.2.  The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation also has 10 projects in scoping  in Colombia, Ecuador, 
Costa Rica, Senegal, Madagascar, Jordan, Tunisia and India as well as two projects in the Pacific 
Islands (Vanuatu & Fiji).  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Please reach out to Miranda Andruccioli: miranda.anduccioli@weforum.org  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.).  
4.1.  www.tradefacilitation.org  
  
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INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT UNION  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  Since 1948, IRU  has been removing trade barriers between countries and regions. Under a UN 
mandate, IRU manages the TIR system – the only global transit tool. TIR enables goods to be 
shipped seamlessly and securely, unleashing trade potential between regions and allowing  transport 
companies to reduce both their costs and delivery times.  
1.2.  TIR could significantly contribute to the implementation of TFA in particular Article 11 on 
freedom of transit. TIR system could also cover other TFA articles including article 1 on publi cation 
and availability of information, article 5 on other measures to enhance impartiality, non -
discrimination and enhance transparency, Article 7 on clearance of goods and Article 12 on customs 
cooperation.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING AS SISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  Since the beginning of TIR system, IRU has continuously provided technical support to TIR 
contracting parties on the implementation of TIR. Now IRU is more focused on geographical 
expansion of the TIR system an d making it digital. Accession of China, India, Pakistan and GCC 
countries since 2015 are the results of technical support provided by IRU to new countries and 
regions. On digitalization, IRU has equipped TIR Contracting Parties with TIR IT tools, ensuring  digital 
data exchange and further enhancing the security of the TIR system and transit. Furthermore, IRU 
in cooperation with other partners have conducted successful eTIR pilot operations between 
Iran-Turkey and Iran -Azerbaijan since 2016 and now is worki ng with other countries to implement 
eTIR which make all transport operations under TIR fully digital.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Any country interested in implementation of Article 11 on freedom of transit as well as other 
above -mentioned articles of TFA can refer to IRU for accession and implementation of the TIR 
system. IRU can provide all required information and technical support to the interested countries 
and facilitate implementation of the TFA through leveraging on TIR as tested, tried and affordab le 
global system.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  IRU website:  https://www.iru.org/  
4.2.  TIR system:  https://w ww.iru.org/what -we-do/facilitating -trade -and-transit/tir ; and 
https://www.iru.org/resources/iru -library/brochure -tir-global -seamless -certain  
 
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of trade facilitation services 
to its beneficiaries towards implementation of the TFA, factoring in the business perspective and 
with continuous engagement and cooperation between stakeholde rs at its core.  
1.2.  ITC provides support to public and private trade actors, including National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFCs), to implement a wide range of TFA transparency and efficiency obligations, 
strengthening WTO Members’ national preparedness t o operationalize the measures of the 
Agreement, and thus meet their WTO commitments. It does so by reviewing or supporting the 
establishment of the national legal framework enabling the implementation of the TFA measures, 
and by providing support to practi cally operationalize the measures with private sector’s involvement 
in the overall process.  
1.3.  ITC also assists beneficiary countries to request financial and technical assistance to achieve 
implementation of Category C commitments.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY  RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  ITC has kept the momentum high for, and accelerated the pace of, trade facilitation reforms in 
the past months, providing tailored advisory services and practical support for the implement ation 
of selected TFA measures. Most of the reforms that ITC has boosted had a special focus on 
simplification and digitalization of border procedures, particularly crucial for supply chains efficiency 
in a pandemic situation.  
2.2.  With technical assistance de livered in more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle 
East, ITC has continued to leverage implementation of the TFA in a sustained manner, and supported 
beneficiary countries  in their reformative path towards a more conducive cross -border trade 
ecosystem, strengthening their readiness to tackle cumbersome border procedures and, lately, 
supply chain disruptions caused by COVID -19. 
Supporting the implementation of transparency and efficiency measures of the TFA  
2.3.  ITC has intensified its support to es tablish or enhance Trade Facilitation Portals (TFPs) in 
beneficiary countries around the world, in collaboration with UNCTAD, with a view to boost 
implementation of the transparency measures (including Article 1.1 and 1.2) enshrined in the TFA. 
TFPs are a digital solution serving as a one -stop-shop providing up -to-date information on export, 
import and transit procedures and formalities  in an easily accessible manner. During the COVID -19 
pandemic, ITC has promptly and widely disseminated access on TFPs to t rade information related to 
priority products and responses affecting international trade in order to ease businesses’ awareness 
of the crisis and ensuing mitigating measures.  
2.4.  Using TFPs  tools, and leveraging national and regional partnerships, ITC has driven national 
and regional policy dialogue towards harmonization and simplification of trade formalities in the spirit 
of Article 10.1 of the TFA. ITC has in particular initiated and stir red discussions with businesses and 
policymakers – at the national and regional economic community (REC) level – on a comprehensive 
approach to the simplification cross -border procedures with a view to reduce the time and cost of 
trade, and to the implemen tation of simplified trade regimes for faster clearance time during COVID.  
2.5.  In an effort to make customs procedures more efficient and predictable, ITC has also supported 
several countries to establish or review their national legal and regulatory framewor k to issue 
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  advance rulings (Article 3). With the business community at the heart of the intervention, ITC has 
partnered with leading private sector firms to test the operationalization and functioning of the 
advance rulings scheme. In a like manner, ITC ha s recently supported customs administrations to 
introduce provisions in the customs code allowing companies, which meet pre -defined criteria, to 
apply for the authorized operator (AO) status and benefit from a number of facilitative measures, as 
stipulated  in Article 7.7.  
2.6.  ITC has also supported NTFCs as the driving force of TFA implementation at the national level. 
ITC has notably assisted NTFCs to enhance their institutional set -up, operations and network; 
complementarily, it has strengthened mechanisms fo r border agency cooperation (Article 8) to apply 
more efficient controls and streamlined procedures, including through an integrated risk 
management system in line with Article 7.4, and pre -arrival processing (Article 7.1).  
2.7.  Among its future support, ITC w ill continue to provide focused technical assistance to 
beneficiary countries to simplify, modernize and automate trade procedures. In particular, ITC will 
support the simplification and digitalization of border procedure and trade formalities, such as the  
automated processing and electronic issuance of certificates of origin, to curb unnecessary delays 
and costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  
Enhancing business capacity to benefit from TFA and strengthening compliance with 
international trade pro cedures  
2.8.  ITC has intensified its support to businesses to ensure that they could benefit from a meaningful 
implementation  of the TFA, as well as adapt to – and mitigate the impact of – the novel challenges 
brought by COVID -19. 
2.9.  Due to an increasing demand fo r trainings and online learning opportunities, ITC has boosted 
its offer of e -learning capacity -building with e -courses on trade facilitation, logistics, quality and 
export management  to enhance businesses’ understanding of trade facilitation and its benef its for 
business competitiveness and the national trade ecosystem at large.  
2.10.   ITC has also continued to deliver on -the-job coaching and advisory services to SMEs to 
improve their compliance level with cross -border management requirements, making their busine ss 
operations more competitive and cost -effective. Due to COVID -19 restrictions, the initiative – usually 
delivered on -site at the business’ premises, was adapted to accommodate a hybrid model of delivery, 
combining physical and virtual coaching sessions.  
2.11.   In a continuous effort to amplify business’ voice in policymaking, ITC has also strengthened 
private sector and trade -support institutions (TSIs)’ capacity to advocate for effective policy and 
sectoral trade facilitation reforms at the national and region al level, as well as their representation 
in the NTFC to cater for businesses’ needs in the reform process.    
Leveraging an agile, responsive and readily adaptable approach to delivery of technical 
assistance  
2.12.   In assisting beneficiary countries to moderni ze their soft infrastructure systems and 
implement trade facilitation reforms, ITC relies on an agile, responsive and readily adaptable 
approach to delivery, which ensures to effectively respond to the evolving needs and priorities of 
clients, as well as t o unforeseeable  changing circumstances.  
2.13.   ITC has traditionally  delivered technical assistance through strengthening national and 
regional partnerships, enhancing public -private dialogue (PPD) and leveraging digital solutions to 
bolster stakeholders’ trade facilitation agendas. ITC’s adaptability has ensured that the organization 
would be able to successfully continue delivering assistance according to its core principles and 
modalities, in a fluid manner, even during exceptional circumstances.  
2.14.   A flexible m ethod of delivery has enabled ITC to easily adapt and augment its technical 
assistance during COVID -19 to meet the challenges of the “new normal”. In particular, ITC has relied 
and invested more in local expertise, partly to compensate for the lack of mobi lity of ITC staff. 
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  Geneva to facilitate public -private dialogue and reformative processes in -country, fostering 
resilience, competitiveness  and sustainability of  national resources and capacities.  
2.15.   ITC has also increasingly relied on digital curricula and tools to enhance not only virtual 
knowledge transfer and delivery of technical assistance (exemplified in the skyrocketing number of 
users in ITC e -learning cours es), but also to provide innovative forums to strengthen national, 
regional and South -South cooperation and expedite the digitalization of trade formalities for faster, 
simpler and more transparent trade.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  ITC is delivering its tec hnical assistance on TFA implementation in the context of multi -annual 
trade -related projects that are being implemented in specific countries and regions. The portfolio of 
trade facilitation services provided to beneficiary clients is hence pre -determined  under the 
framework of these country -specific or region -specific trade -related technical assistance 
programmes. Nonetheless, with the support of additional funding, ITC can further assist clients to 
capitalize on the implementation of the TFA.  
Your contac t point at ITC  
3.2.  Interested WTO members and development partners may contact Dr. Mohammad Saeed, 
Senior Trade Facilitation  Officer, at saeed@intracen.org , +41227300126, to receive further 
information on the ITC Trade  Facilitation Programme’ portfolio of services and technical assistance.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  Implementing the TFA  is a unique opportunity for developing countries and least developed 
countries to simplify  and modernize their trade and border procedures. In partnership with UNCTAD 
and UNECE, ITC has produced the publication "Getting Down To Business: Making the Most of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement " (https://www.intracen.org/publication/Getting -Down -
To-Business -Making -the-Most-of-the-WTO-Trade -Facilitation -Agreement/ ) assisting policymakers 
and traders to implement the TFA through technical notes and guidelines for step -by-step national 
implementation plans and checklists to ensure compliance with each measure.  
4.2.  SMEs can bene fit more if the TFA is implemented in a coordinated manner at regional level, 
especially for those countries that are part of regional economic communities (RECs). ITC has 
developed a report "Charting a roadmap to regional integration with the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement " (https://www.intracen.org/publication/Charting -a-roadmap -to-regional -
integration/ ) laying the ground for regional policy frameworks on tr ade facilitation and ensuing 
greater participation of SMEs in regional global value chains. The publication, in particular, provides 
a "toolkit " to assist policymakers in designing, implementing and monitoring regional trade 
facilitation reforms.  
4.3.  Trade fac ilitation principles play a crucial role for fast and efficient cross -border procedures. 
This is captured in the ITC 15 -Point Action Plan  (http://www.intracen.org/covid19/15 -Points -
Action-Plan/) for open economies, supporting small businesses through the COVID -19 crisis and 
towards the future. This plan aims at supporting the recovery of internationally oriented  MSMEs 
through the crisis  and reaffirms the importance of easing cross-border trade in goods and services 
and streamlining the movement of essential products, including through the digitalization of trade 
documents and procedures.  
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STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROL E IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The STDF is a global partnership that helps developing countries improve their food safety, and 
animal and plant health capacity to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for trade, based 
on international st andards. In recent years, the STDF has focused on how SPS measures are applied 
to imports, exports and transit goods, and the extent to which, if any, these measures unnecessarily 
increase the costs of doing business. This work has sought to identify, anal yze and foster dialogue 
to improve the implementation of SPS controls in a way that facilitates safe trade, while minimizing 
transaction costs. For example, the STDF continues to focus on the increased use of electronic SPS 
certificates (SPS e -cert), in th e context of paperless trade and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
STDF’s e -certification projects - ePhyto and eVet – sought and delivered innovative solutions to 
improve safe trade, including a central hub to facilitate the transfer of electronic phy tosanitary 
certificates as well as the web -based Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS) that can produce and 
receive ePhytos. The STDF continues to work on enhancing the integration of SPS -related 
components in broader trade facilitation programmes.  
1.2.  Brief d escription of any recent or upcoming assistance/activities (and methods of delivery)  
1.3.  The STDF provides funding to beneficiaries for the development and implementation of 
collaborative and innovative SPS projects. Funds up to US$ 50,000 are available for pr oject 
preparation grants (PPGs) to prepare technically sound and sustainable projects. These grants can 
involve the application of SPS -related capacity evaluation tools, preparation of feasibility studies 
and/or formulation of project proposals to address specific SPS capacity building needs linked to 
trade.  
1.4.  Funds up to US$ 1,000,000 are available for project grants (PGs) that improve food safety, 
animal and plant health capacity to comply with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) 
requirements. Th ese grants are expected to help address particular SPS challenges or issues that 
affect trade to international markets.  
1.5.  The STDF has close to 50 PPGs and PGs at various stages of development, implementation and 
evaluation. Information on past and ongoing g rants can be viewed on the following webpages:  
https://standardsfacility.org/projectgrants ; and  
https://standardsfacility.org /projectpreparationgrants  
 
2  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
2.1.  The STDF Guidance Note for Applicants provides detailed information on STDF funding 
requirements. This Guidance Note as well as other information regarding STDF grants can be found 
on following webpage: https://standardsfacility.org/funding  
3  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
3.1.  https://standardsfacility.org/SPS -eCert  
https://standardsfacility.org/facilitating -safe-trade 
  
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UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNCTAD provides a wide range of technical assistance and capacity building activities in the 
field of trade facilitation, including: Elaboration of needs assessments and assistance with the 
ratification, categorization and notification of WTO TFA obligations: Support for development and 
implementation of national trade facilitation implementation plans and road maps; Development of 
project proposals and plans; Advisory services in all fields of trade and transport facilitation 
implementation;  Targ eted and specialized training and support to national trade facilitation 
committees through the UNCTAD Empowerment Program; Monitoring and evaluation support of 
trade facilitation initiatives; General capacity -building and technical assistance on trade fac ilitation 
reforms; as well as assistance with the implementation of trade facilitation measures. In addition, 
UNCTAD provides extensive assistance world -wide in the field of Customs automation through the 
ASYCUDA program; support for implementation of Sing le Window solutions, including legal 
assessments and assistance to create the necessary legal framework; and finally UNCTAD provides 
support in the field of transparency and simplification through the dedicated UNCTAD Trade 
Information Portal initiative.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  In February 2020, UNCTAD published the third volume of our recurrent study on National Trade 
Facilitation Committees: National Trade Facilitation Committees as coor dinators of trade facilitation 
reform. See link below.  
2.2.  In relation to the Covid -19 pandemic, UNCTAD is providing support to a host of countries and 
organization, including through collaboration with UN Regional Commissions. See link below.  
2.3.  Due to Covid -19 UNCTAD has launched an on -line training platform to support trade facilitation 
implementation, in particular for national trade facilitation committees. This initiative is based on a 
blended approach including a series of on -line training modules mixed wit h online sessions with the 
participants, webinars on selected issues and meetings with the national trade facilitation 
committees. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program.  
2.4.  UNCTAD has launched a Rapid Scan initiative, w hich provides countries with an assessment 
and recommendations of their preparedness of crisis management in the field of trade facilitation. 
These assessments also provide local capacity building. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD 
for support to ro ll-out this program.  
2.5.  UNCTAD provides a specialized training module for implementation of WTO TFA Articles 11.16 
and 17 on transit collaboration and transit coordinators. The training is predominantly provided on 
regional or sub -regional basis to appointed or designated transit coordinators. Interested countries 
can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program.  
2.6.  Countries that have adopted the UNCTAD trade information portals have in connection with the 
Covid -19 pandemic all been offered include dedic ated covid information on their portals. This 
approach has been adopted widely amongst almost all users of the UNCTAD portals.  
2.7.  The UNCTAD ASYCUDA program for Customs Automation has in connection with Covid -19 
published a guide on: Adapting the use of ASYC UDA World to the Covid -19 Situation. See link below.  
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  3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For Trade Facilitation, trade portals etc.  
Mr. Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva  
Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 32 58 or +41 79 4444 366  
E-Mail: poul.hansen@unctad.org  or tfs@unctad.org  
 
3.2.  For ASYCUDA  
Mr. Fabrice Millet  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva  
Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 20 59  
E-Mail: fabrice.millet@unctad.org  
 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade facilitation reform 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2020d1_en.pdf  
4.2.  UNCTAD Covid -19 response  https://unctad.org/programme/covid -19-response  
4.3.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA C OVID -19 response  https://unctad.org/webfly er/adapting -use-asycuda -
world -covid-19-situation  
4.4.  UNCTAD website for Trade Logistics (Transport, Logistics, Trade Facilitation and ASYCUDA ) 
https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade -logistics  
4.5.  UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter  https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-
trade -logistics/transport -newsletter  
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UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC  COMMISSION FOR EUROPE  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNECE  serves as the focal point within the United Nations Economic and Social Council for 
trade facilitation and electronic business standards. UNECE, through its inter -governmental body of 
UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) de velop these 
recommendations and standards. These recommendations and standards support both commercial 
and government business processes with the aim of fostering growth in international trade and 
implementation of the WTO TFA. UNECE provides capacity buil ding support to UNECE countries to 
support the implementation of the TFA by supporting National Trade Facilitation Committees and 
providing training materials on TFA articles including Articles 10.1 on formalities and documentary 
requirements; 10.3 on use of international standards; 10.4 on single window; and 23.2 on national 
trade facilitation committees and their implementation.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
Past events  
Seminar on assessing the readiness of Uzbekistan to implement the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA ) 21 March 2020 (Virtual)  
2.1.  The purpose of this seminar has been to help Uzbekistan's agencies implement  the WTO Trade 
Simplification Agreement to meet the requiremen ts for WTO accession . Uzbekistan  presented its 
new Single Window system (launched 1 January 2020), and received comments on how to improve 
it further.  
Workshop and Task Force on CITES electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) for 
Parties from the UNECE  and ESCAP Region 8-9 April 2020 (V irtual ) 
2.2.  The overall objective is to provide information on the latest state of electronic cross border 
exchange of CITES permits (EPIX) and its implementation, and to kick -off electronic CITES permit 
exchange pilots betwe en interested CITES Parties of the UNECE and ESCAP region with the support 
of the UNNExT.  The initial workshop established a Task Force that meets every month for discussion, 
information sharing and mutual technical assistance  on CITES permit exchange.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=54229  
http://www.unece.org/fr/trade/unece -iptpd_bio -trade.html  
 
Multi -Stakeholder Policy Dialo gue: Accelerating action for Sustainable and Circular Value 
Chains in Garment & Footwear  27-28 April 2020 (Virtual)  
2.3.  This policy dialogue aimed at review ing the  progress on the key project outputs and brainstorm 
on the next steps for the development of the policy recommendation, the technical standards for 
transparency and traceability of information exchange in the textile and leather value chain, and the 
implementation of the first project blockchain pilot for traceability and due diligence in the cotton 
industry.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=54226  
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  Informal virtual consultation with members of the UN/CEFACT Plenary 4 -5 May 2020 
(Virtual)  
2.4.  This virtual consultation aimed at moving forward business -critical decisions in order to ensure 
that the work of UN/CEFACT could continue. With regards to the WTO TFA agreement it notably 
approved Recommendation N°33: Recommendation and Guidelines on Establishing a Single Window, 
as well as 16 on UN/LOCO DE and 5 on INCOTERMS.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=53332  
 
Project Launch meeting on Strengthening capacity of the trade facilitation stakeholders 
in the Kyrgyz Republic  29 May 2020 (Virtual)  
2.5.  The objective of this project is to enhance knowledge and technical capacities of policymakers 
and experts of the National Trade Facilitation Council to implement trade facilitation policies and 
priority measures under Category C of the WTO Trade Facilitati on Agreement (TFA). It is also 
expected to improve access of traders to information related to trade regulations and procedures.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=54509  
 
Virtual meetings on eQuality certificates  2 June 2020 and on -going monthly meetings  
(Virtual)  
2.6.  eQuality meetings are regular events to promote the exchange of Quality certificates based on 
CITES eQuality Certificate exchange requirements. It is meant to be a space for discussion and 
knowledge sharing on eQuality certificate exchange (practises and structures between countries).  
https://www.u nece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trade/agr/meetings/OtherMtgs/eQuality_webinar_agenda_
2June2020.pdf  
 
Online Conference on the "Role of Advanced technologies in overcoming COVID -19 
disruptions in international trade " 2 July 2020  (Virtual)  
2.7.  This virtual conference on t he role of advanced technologies provided a platform for experts to 
discuss how to overcome international supply chain and trade disruptions caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic outbreak. The conference has been organized by the Advisory Group on Advanced 
Techn ologies of the UN/CEFACT.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=54643  
 
Online Workshop: "Towards Global Interoperable Blockchain Infrastructure " 9 July 2020  
(Virtual)  
2.8.  The project looked at establishing a framework/mechanism for development and 
implementation of the UN/CEFACT blockchain services infrastructure, which will be compatible and 
in line with other services infrastructure and usable or extendable globally, and 2) to prepare a 
whitepaper on the s trategy for development and implementation of interoperable global blockchain 
technology infrastructure, taking into consideration existing relevant standards.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=5468 2 
 
Technical cooperation Seminar for the SPECA countries "Trade Facilitation in Times of 
COVID -19" 10 July 2020  (Virtual ) 
2.9.  The purpose of this Seminar has been to realize a regular capacity -building event organized 
every second year with the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe. The seminar 
advanced the agenda for trade facilitation in the SPECA region. The seminar  also stressed the 
importance of implementing all the strategic documents and recommendations adopted by SPECA 
before the pandemic, notably the Ashgabat Initiative, the SPECA Trade Facilitation Strategy and the 
SPECA Principles of Sustainable Trade.  G/TFA/W/29  
 
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  Virtu al event on Trade in Support of Circular Economy, Sustainable Development and 
Green Recovery Post ­COVID -­19 30 September 2020  (Virtual)  
2.10.   The event considered existing tools and good practices, identified practical barriers faced by 
business sector in terms  of circular economy related trade and discussed corresponding 
recommendations for policy -­makers on trade -­related and other policies. This session looked at 
building common understanding on sustainable trade and development and, in turn, create an 
enabli ng environment for business to shift to a more circular, equitable global economy.  
https://genevatradeweek.c h/agenda/s19 -trade -in-support -of-circular -economy -sustainable -
development -and-green -recovery -post-covid-19 
 
Event on harnessing Trade as a Means for Strengthening Agenda 2030 & the SDGs – The 
Case of WTO Accession  30 September 2020  (Virtual)  
2.11.   This session p rovided a platform for exchange of views among accession negotiators on the 
interlinkages between the accession process, SDGs, and Agenda 2030. It aimed at building resilient 
value chains, trade inclusiveness (SMEs), and discuss new and emerging topics suc h as sustainable 
trade and the transition to a circular economy.  
https://genevatradeweek.ch/agenda/s24 -harnes sing-trade -as-a-means -for-strengthening -agenda -
2030-the-sdgs-the-case-of-wto-accession  
 
Online Workshop on Scaling up Sustainable Trade: Strategies, Policies and Technologies 
for More Sustainable Production and Value Chains  1 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.12.   This mu lti-stakeholder panel shared experiences, lessons learned, new initiatives and practical 
efforts on the ground to promote more sustainable production through trade and value chains in 
sectors such as gold, seafood, forestry, coffee and clothing.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55126  
 
Event on Strategies, Policies and Technologies for More Sustainable Production and 
Supply Chains  1 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.13.   This multi -stakeholder panel event shared experiences and offer recommendations to 
promote more sustainable production through trade and value chains in sectors such as gold, 
seafood, forestry, coffee and clothing. The panel also reviewed the enabling role  that innovation and 
new technologies can play to enhance trust in sustainability claims.  
https://gen evatradeweek.ch/agenda/s34 -strategies -policies -and-technologies -and-policies -for-
more-sustainable -production -and-supply -chains  
 
National technical cooperation seminar for Azerbaijan on how to establish and function a 
National Trade Facilitation Committee  4 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.14.   The purpose of this Seminar has been to organize a technical cooperation webinar for 
Azerbaijan on how to establish and function a National Trade Facilitation Committee using the 
experience of the UNECE Regional Adviser on this subj ect, responding to an urgent request of the 
Azerbaijani Government. It has been a successful seminar where the presentation and discussion 
will be used in the process of establishing an NTFC in Azerbaijan.  
35th UN/CEFACT Forum  5-16 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.15.   The semi -annual Forums of UN/CEFACT brought together experts from the public and private 
sectors to work on trade facilitation recommendations and eBusiness standards on a global scale.  
https://www. unece.org/index.php?id=54794  
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  35th UN/CEFACT Forum Webinar: Engaging private sector in National Trade Facilitation 
Bodies, what works and what does not work?  6 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.16.   This webinar provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of engaging the private sector 
in the activities of an NTFB. It aimed to look into some of the barriers and challenges in participation 
and to present possible solutions and approaches towards an effective engagement. With this 
webinar UN/CEFACT provided guidance on the effective implementation of UNECE Recommendations 
No. 4 and No. 40 and WTO TFA Article 23.2.  
https://www.unece.org/index. php?id=55082  
 
35th UN/CEFACT Forum Webinar: Trade Information Portals  7 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.17.   This conference proposed to examine some actual implementations and country experiences 
in order to share best practices. It has been an opportunity to be inspir ed by current practices and 
identify the future evolutions. It also provided the opportunity to shape the work within the United 
Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) on a future 
recommendation on Information Portals.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55084  
 
35th UN/CEFACT Forum Webinar: Advancements in AI towards facilitating cross border 
paperless trade  12 October 2020  (Virtual)  
2.18.   This webinar focused on how AI can  help in facilitating cross border paperless trade. The 
webinar focused on use cases and implementation examples including areas of trade data analytics 
for risk and fraud management, computer vision and imaging for logistics and monitoring and others.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55099  
 
Webinar: Traceability within the context of eBusiness Standards  22 October 2020  
(Virtual)  
2.19.   This webinar aimed to gain an understanding of what traceability is an d what it means, why 
we have traceability and how it works. The objective of the webinar has been to have a common 
understanding of the topic and encourage the different working groups to get in touch with each 
other.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55139  
 
35th UN/CEFACT Forum Webinar: Technology Developments: Potential for Impacting 
Cross -Border Trade  11 November 2020  (Virtual)  
2.20.   The objective of this webinar is to present a variety of technology to pics and how they can be 
applied to cross border paperless trade.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55133  
 
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES  
National Expert Consultation on Trade Facilitation Roadmap and Economic Recovery from 
COVID -19 Pandemic in Kyrgyzstan  27 October 2020 (Virtual)  
2.21.   The objective of this event is to discuss the draft National Trade Facilitation Roadmap in the 
changed context of COVID -19 pandemic and a sustainable recovery through best pra ctices in trade 
facilitation. The event will invite stakeholders and experts from the public and private sectors and 
other relevant partners in Kyrgyzstan. It will be organized in cooperation with the Ministry of 
Economy, Kyrgyzstan.  
 G/TFA/W/29  
 
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  Seminar for the NTFCs  in Central Asia with GIZ  2-3 November 2020  (Virtual)  
2.22.   This event will be a virtual Seminar, in the format of a capacity building exercise, for the 
NTFCs in Central Asia with GIZ. Two papers are being prepared to guide this Seminar: Guide for 
NTFCs  on how to use international (UN/CEFACT) trade facilitation standards ; and A study on the 
harmonization of border -crossing procedures in the SPECA subregion.  
Third Multi -Stakeholder Policy Dialogue: Accelerating action for Sustainable and Circular 
Value Ch ains in Garment & Footwear  23-24 November 2020  (In Person meeting)  
2.23.   The purpose of this dialogue will be to review progress on the key project outputs and 
brainstorm on the next steps for the development of the policy recommendation, the technical 
standards  for transparency and traceability of information exchange in the textile and leather value 
chain.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55124  
 
Second Session - Advisory Group on Advanced Technologies  25 November 2020  (In 
Person Meeting)  
2.24.   The Advisory Group will focus its discussion on Circular Economy topics and present relevant 
advanced technologies and use cases that can support activities within the Circular Economy 
concept, in order to provide benefi t to businesses and trading parties involved in sustainable 
international trade and value chains.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55149  
 
26th Session - UN/CEFACT Plenary  26 November 2020  (TBD)  
2.25.   This event will be the 25th UN/CEFACT plenary, reflecting on the different UN/CEFACT 
recommendations to better implement the TFA as well as its programme of work to implement trade 
facilitation projects, standards and guidelines in the ECE region.  
https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=55141  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For any information, please reach Maria Rosaria Ceccarelli, Chief of the Trade Facilitation 
Section of the UNECE at: maria.ceccarelli@un.org  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  https:/ /www.unece.org/tradewelcome/un -centre -for-trade-facilitation -and-e-business -
uncefact/meetings -and-events.html#/  
  G/TFA/W/29  
 
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UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
Intergovernmental cooperation: Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross -border 
Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific  
1.1.  Adopted at ESCAP as a United Nations treaty in 2016, the Framework Agreement supports the 
full digital implementation of the TFA by helping parties develop plan and implement interoperable 
paperless trade systems. ESCAP support organization of intergovernmental steering group meetings, 
as well as legal  and technical working group meetings open to its 53 member States.   
Research: UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation & ESCAP -World 
Bank Trade Cost database  
1.2.  Led by ESCAP and jointly conducted by all UN Regional Commissions, the UN Global Survey 
instrument was prepared according to the final list of commitments included in the TFA, as well as 
measures relevant to the Framework Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
The purpose of the survey is to help countries mo nitor and benchmark their progress on trade 
facilitation and paperless trade, in support of implementation of both the TFA and the Framework 
Agreement. The survey is TFA+ in nature, including a range of paperless trade measures, as well as 
measures targete d at SMEs, women, and the agricultural sector. The interactive online database 
enables benchmarking across countries and measures (www.untfsurvey.org).  
1.3.  ESCAP also maintains the ESCAP -World Bank Trade Cost database, a database of bilateral trade 
costs used  by OECD and WTO to estimate the potential costs savings from TFA implementation 
before it entered into force. The database is updated annually.  
Capacity building programmes  
1.4.  ESCAP organizes capacity building programmes on trade facilitation matters releva nt to the 
implementation of the TFA, such as Business Process Analysis (BPA) to simply trade procedures, 
single window implementation, national trade portals (transparency) and paperless trade 
implementation. It generally does so with the support of the Un ited Nations Network of Experts for 
Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT).  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
TF practices in response to COVID -19 in Asia and the Pacific  
2.1.  Subregional studies were conducted in East and North -East Asia, North and Central Asia, 
South -East Asia and South and South -West Asia, reviewing (best) practices, in trade facilitation in 
response to COVID -19 in countries of subregion (3 published and 1 upcom ing).  Findings from these 
studies were presented at an expert group meeting, with a focus on how temporary ad -hoc measures 
may be (or have already been) converted into long -term TF measures and capacity building needs 
of developing countries in this area.  
Development of a UNTF Survey component on TF measures in times of crisis  
2.2.  The UN Global Survey is currently being further developed to include an additional survey 
component on TF measures in times of crisis and epidemic. Experts involved in the subregiona l 
G/TFA/W/29  
 
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  studies, United Nations Regional Commission focal points, national experts and relevant agencies 
discussed the additional survey component at a recent expert group meeting. The new survey is 
now being pilot tested in Asia and the Pacific.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST  ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, United Nations ESCAP  
Email: duvaly@un.org ; kim51@un.org  
 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross -border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific  
https://www.unescap.org/resources/f ramework -agreement -facilitation -cross-border -paperless -
trade -asia-and-pacific  
 
4.2.  UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation  
https://untfsurvey.org/  
 
4.3.  ESCAP -World Bank Trade Cost database  
https://www.unescap.org/resources/escap -world -bank-trade -cost-database  
 
4.4.  Subregional studies on trade facilitation in times of pandemic  
• Trade facilitation in times of pandemic: pract ices from the East and North - East Asia  
https://www.unescap.org/resources/trade -facilitation -times -pandemic -practices -east-and-
north -east-asia 
• Trade facilitation in times of pandemic: practices from North and Central Asia  
https://www.unescap.org/resources/trade -facilitation -times-pandemic -practices -north -
and-central -asia 
• Trade facilitation in times of pandemic: practices from South and South West Asia  
https:/ /www.unescap.org/resources/trade -facilitation -times -pandemic -practices -south -
and-south -west-asia 
 
4.5.  Expert group meeting on trade facilitation in times of crisis and epidemic  
https://www.unescap.org/events/expert -group -meeting -trade -facilitation -times -crisis-and-
epidemic  
  G/TFA/W/29  
 
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WORLD BANK GROUP  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The WBG is the one of the largest multilateral providers of financial and technical assistance 
support for trade facilitation, and the TFA provides the framework for the  WBG0s trade facilitation 
support to more than 70 countries. The WBG works closely with the WTO, and other partners 
(including Annex  D) and donors, in supporting developing countries in TFA implementation. WBG 
support on trade facilitation is implemented t hrough a mix of technical assistance, investment 
lending and policy development operations.   
1.2.  The WBG provides global TFA implementation support through two flagship trust fund 
programs; (i)  the Trade Facilitation Support Program (47+ countries & supported  by Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the USA); 
and (ii)  the Trade Facilitation Programme in Middle Income Countries (5 countries & supported by 
the UK).  
1.3.  The WBG assists countries to identify existing constraints and bottlenecks to cross -border 
trade; design and plan for the implementation of reforms; and increase the predictability, 
transparency, and harmonization of systems and procedures in line with international standards 
covering import, export, and transit activities. Focused on supporting the full and effective 
implementation of the WTO TFA and related trade facilitation reforms, these programs are designed 
to provide practical and demand -driven assistance.  
1.4.  Recognizing the important role s of both the public and private sectors in trade facilitation, the 
World Bank Group implements support by drawing on the unique expertise of both the World Bank 
and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING A SSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  The COVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for trade facilitation reforms to keep 
critical goods flowing through borders. The WBG is focusing support to countries on paperless and 
automated systems,  streamlining of customs and border agency procedures, and harmonization of 
procedures to limit the impact of the pandemic.  
2.2.  With the spread of COVID -19, the WBG has maintained flexibility and pivoted its activities to 
virtual modalities to support business  continuity in ongoing and planned projects, as well as to 
provide guidance to countries on best trade facilitation practices to respond to COVID -19. 
2.3.  Examples of WBG knowledge products providing guidance in addressing key challenges related 
to the pandemic  include:  
Video:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2020/06/22/managing -risk-and-facilitating -
trade -during -covid-19 
Guidance Notes:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/751981585606039541/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Managing -Risk-and-Facilitating -Trade -in-the-COVID -19-
Pandemic.pdf  
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  • Best Practices of Border Processes and Procedures  
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/8240815874872 61551/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-Response -to-
the-COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf  
 
Examples of country -level technical assistance scaled up during this crisis include:  
 
• Virtual support to National Trade Facil itation Committees (NTFC).  
• Virtual support to enhance border agency cooperation and operations to facilitate import of 
critical supplies (including food and medical items).  
• Virtual and in -country guidance on increasing the availability of trade -related i nformation on 
websites and through enquiry points.  
• Virtual support to increase the application of risk management.  
• Virtual  advice to specific countries on business continuity and protection of front -line officers.  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To receive s upport, countries are expected to have demonstrated a strong commitment to 
implementing trade facilitation reforms. The trust funds prioritize assistance to countries with limited 
access to other donor support. Requests for assistance can be made directly to Mr. Bill Gain, Global 
Lead for Trade Facilitation ( wgain@ifc.org ), World Bank Group offices or donor partners.   
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
• World Bank Group TFSP webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitation -support -program  
 
• WBG Trade and COVID -19 Resources Webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/brief/trade -and-covid-19 
 
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WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization dealing 
with Customs matters. It provides TFA support to its Members through its Mercator  Programme 
launched in June 2014.  The Mercator Programme follows a dual -track approach that comprises of 
overall and tailor -made tracks, allowing the WCO to respond to important cross -cutting, as well as 
country specific challenges to TFA implementation. The Mercator Programme is a unique initiative 
that allows for uniform implementation by applying WCO instruments and tools and is supported by 
the practical experiences of the global Customs community. It has been evolving to address the 
needs and requirem ents of the Membership, including those arising from the most recent challenges 
faced by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  This report gives a brief description of activities under the Mercator Programme. A report on 
COVID -19 related activities has been provided separately.  
Overall track of the Mercator Programme  
2.2.  In terms of moving forward its work on developing instruments and tools, the WCO has during 
the period since March 2 020 taken measures to ensure business continuity within its working bodies 
during the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. The 227th/228th Sessions 
of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC), held from 15 May to 3 July 2020, served as  a pilot 
test for future meetings. The meeting was held following a purely document -based approach through 
the use of the WCO CLiKC! platform.  
2.3.  In the meantime, the Secretariat introduced a more advanced interface that offers web 
conferencing with live inte rpretation in several languages. The new tool has made it possible to 
transition to a blended meeting format, combining a document -based phase (submission of 
comments) with online video -conferencing sessions. From early September until December 2020, 
when the Council will meet again and decide on the way forward for the organization of meetings in 
2021, over 20 committees, working groups and other bodies will have been held virtually.   
2.4.  In the period since May 2020, the WCO working body structure has finali zed the work on the 
following tools:  
• Compendium of Best Practices in the Area of Transit;  
• E-Commerce Package (to support implementation of the WCO Framework of Standards for 
Cross -Border E -Commerce);  
• Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce;  
• AEO Compendium  2020.  
 
A number of tools and guidance materials are or have been submitted for endorsement or further 
enhancement by the WCO working body structure during autumn 2020:  
 
• WCO guidelines on disaster management and supply chain continuity;  
• Guidance for Custom s administrations in Small Island Economies;  
• Update of the Compendium on Coordinated Border Management;  
• Comprehensive Capacity Building Framework for Data Analytics in Customs;  
• Implementation and Validation Guide for Authorized Economic Operators;  
• Proposals for the 2021 review of the SAFE Framework of Standards;  
G/TFA/W/29  
 
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  • Digital AEO Compendium.  
 
2.5.  Furthermore, the review of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) continued through the Working 
Group on the Comprehensive review of the RKC, which has intens ively discussed 179 proposals 
during the eight meetings held since September 2018, with the last one conducted in early 
October  2020.  
2.6.  In order for the work on WCO’s  trade facilitation instruments and tools to move forward, the 
PTC will at its October meeting discuss the Action Plan for Phase V for the Economic Competitiveness 
Package (ECP), which covers envisaged activities during the period up to June 2022.  
2.7.  The WCO  Customs Risk Management Compendium is under review/update process in order to 
examine the latest developments and incorporate them into the Compendium as appropriate. Update 
process of Common Part and Volume 1 will be completed by June 2021.  
2.8.  During the cu rrent financial year, regional workshops in the areas of TFA, advance rulings, e 
commerce, performance measurement, risk management, data analytics, COVID -19, disruptive 
technologies and others are in the process of planning.  
Tailor -made track of the Merca tor Programme  
2.9.  In order to ensure that support to Members has continued during these difficult times, the WCO 
Secretariat has remained agile and focused on exploring alternative Member support arrangements 
that have included using various on -line tools and remote delivery activities.   
2.10.   Under the tailor -made track of the Mercator Programme, the WCO adopted a proactive 
approach and maintained regular engagement with over 70 Member administrations.   
2.11.   In consultation with WCO regional coordinators a comprehensiv e mapping exercise of all 
50 multiyear  (MY) Mercator beneficiary countries to determine future (on -line) priority WCO 
activities that will assist administrations implement the TFA in a coordinated and harmonized manner 
and enhance collaboration with stakeh olders.  
2.12.   On-line engagement with MY Mercator beneficiary countries was carried out, including 
thorough consultations regarding future Mercator diagnostic and/or evaluation activity to determine 
and report tangible outcomes derived from the successful delive ry of Mercator Programme activity.  
2.13.   Comprehensive review/update of the TFA (Mercator) Maturity Model that provides an 
assessment of implementation maturity used to measure overall implementation progress and 
improve activities, has been initiated. Work has  also been initiated on the review and update of the 
Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA) Handbook.  
2.14.   In terms of technical assistance activities, the WCO has during the period since March 2020 
provided on -line support to its Members in the areas of: advance ru lings, risk management, Time 
Release Study, expedited shipments, AEOs, Data Model and automation, trade facilitation during the 
COVID 19 pandemic, RKC and others.  
Other Mercator Programme activities  
2.15.   The launch of the second edition of the WCO Mercator Repo rt (covering the period up to 
June 2020) that outlines how the Programme is providing tailor -made solutions to overcome TFA 
implementation challenges by the real -world application of WCO tools & instruments, is planned 
during the month of October 2020. It will be publicly available on the WCO web site.  
2.16.   In August 2020, a pilot initiative for a virtual pre -accreditation event for Technical Operational 
Advisors (TOA) in E -Commerce was conducted. A similar activity is under discussion for Data 
Analytics.  G/TFA/W/29  
 
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  Upcom ing events  
• 2020 WCO TECH -CON (online) "Technology for Customs in the time of the pandemic - what have 
we learnt? " 11-13 November 2020  
https://na.eventscloud.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=574763&  
• 15th PICARD Conference (online) 23 -26 November 2020  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/events/upcoming -events/picard -2020.aspx  
• 5th WCO Global AEO Conference 15 -17 February 2021 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/7688/ho me/ 
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  The WCO Capacity Building delivery is based on the multi -year project planning as well as on 
the annual Capacity Building needs assessment carried out by the Secretariat together with Member 
Customs administrations and suppor ted by the Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs).   
3.2.  However, in addition to this needs assessment process, developing countries and LDCs may 
submit their requests for assistance to the WCO Capacity Building Directorate 
(capacity.building@wcoomd.org ) at any time.  
3.3.  Interested development partners and donor institutions may contact the WCO Office of External 
Relations ( external.relations@wcoomd.org ) with regard to further cooperation, including financial 
support for technical assistance and capacity building projects.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
WCO web site: www.wcoomd.org  
 
Mercator Programme:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -
programme.aspx  
 
WCO Implementing the TFA: 
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/wco -implementing -the-wto-atf.aspx  
 
COVID -19 web page:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/coronavirus.aspx  
 
What Customs can do to mitigate the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/ -/media/wco/public/gl obal/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities -and-
programmes/natural -disaster/covid_19/covid_19 -categorization -of-member -input_may -29-
2020_edition -4_en.pdf?la=en  
 
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